CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9813, 24 August 1897, Page 3

CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THB PRBSS.

Sir, —From the Pkess of 13th instant I observe your report of a meeting of the Canterbury Agricultural College Board of Governors held to discuss a proposed scheme for the re-organisation of the management of the Institution, which I have read with intalost. I notice that the scheme was withdrawn, wisely I think, and it was resolved —" That the Director be requested to report as to the means by which, if considered desirable, a re-adjustment of the course of study—indoor and out — may be effected." If a well-wisher of the Institution may be permitted a remark it would be to caution the Board against divided responsibility in its management; henco the Director should have full control of the establishment, outside and inside, and be solely responsible to his Board. He should, in my opinion, occupy a position analogous to that of general manager of a Company, whose Directors sketch out, consult with, and finally agree upon a general policy, and who periodically lays before nic Board the affairs of h\a Company, but—and this is what I would like to emphasise—as a Board looks to its General Manager for results ifc wisely confers upon him fall power to engage and discharge his assistants. A prudent manager aa a rule will not make any very important change in his staff without consulting his Board. An able influential Board is of great benefit to a general manager,, but without an able capable general manager at the head of affairs the ablest Board available will not make the concern a succese. In Mr Bayne the College has an admittedly competent and capable Director, and the Board, a very able and representative one, I feel sure will not resent the remarks of An Old Man. Dunedin, 21st August.